KUALA LUMPUR: A woman accused of cyberbullying that led to the death by suicide of a social media influencer last year will hold a press conference tomorrow to share her side of the story.
Shalini Periasamy was charged at the Kuala Lumpur magistrate's court on July 16 last year under the Minor Offences Act 1955 for insulting behaviour.
She pleaded guilty to the charge and was fined RM100.
Social media influencer Rajeswary Appahu, known on TikTok as Esha, was found dead in her home on July 5 last year.
Shalini's lawyer, Haniff Khatri Abdullah, said despite her conviction, she became the subject of widespread online harassment, with many falsely accusing her of being responsible for the influencer's death.
"At the time, numerous individuals in the digital space accused her and linked her to the influencer's death.
"These defamatory claims have continued, making Shalini a victim of cyberbullying," he told the New Straits Times.
Haniff said in December last year, Shalini initiated two civil suits against two individuals, accusing them of defamation and conspiracy.
He said tomorrow's press conference would clarify these legal actions and give the public a clearer understanding of the situation.
"The purpose of this press conference is to clarify the facts surrounding Shalini's case and to offer advice on maintaining maturity and responsibility when making statements online.
"She will also emphasise that she will not hesitate to take further legal action against anyone continuing to defame her."
Haniff invited members of the media to the press conference tomorrow at 3.00pm at the Majestic Hotel here.